Everyday Ecotech: Going Solar, Part II: 12 Things You Should Know About a Home Solar Installation

In Part I of my two-part "Going Solar" series, I discussed small ways to go solar with device chargers that harness the sun's rays to power your gadgets. Now, with Part II, I'll address those who are thinking about jumping right into the solar pool with a home installation. After talking with Ron French, president of Solar Works Inc., and Matthew Wood of REC Solar, I've compiled a list of the most common concerns, facts, and misconceptions about installing solar in your home.

1. When people say "solar power," they typically mean electricity, not heat or hot water. The typical solar installation is designed to tie into the main utility power grid and provide your main source of electricity (so you are not going off the grid, as some believe). There are solar hot water heaters, pool heaters, and so on, but they probably won't save you as much money in the long run as solar electricity.

2. Solar panels work best on a south-facing rooftop. South-facing rooftops and windows get the most consistent sunlight in summer and winter (see the diagram below), and you will get the best results there. That is not to say you can't install on an east- or west-facing rooftop, but productivity will be decreased somewhat. If you have a north-facing roof, you should definitely talk to a solar-products dealer before installing.

3. Shade, not clouds, is the biggest enemy of solar power. Contrary to popular opinion, solar panels can still collect energy on an overcast or even rainy day. But shade greatly reduces a panel's efficiency. Make sure there are no trees, houses, or buildings shading the part of the rooftop where you plan to install--at any time of the day. Another efficiency reducer is dirt and grime that can accumulate on the panels. You should make a note to rinse off your panels every couple of months. There are some good anecdotes and tips on home solar installation at Oliver Seely's site.

4. Thin-film solar sheeting is not necessarily better than silicon glass panels. Although there has been a lot of attention recently paid to thin-film panels, they are actually less efficient than traditional glass panels (5% to 7% efficient versus 12% to 15%). That means you need a lot more panels and rooftop space to generate the same amount of electricity. A company or factory with a large rooftop is a better candidate for thin-film. And thin-film is less durable that silicon glass.

5. There is no iPod of solar. Many people are hesitant to go solar because they believe two years after they install, some killer technology will come along and render the currently equipment obsolete. There have been some interesting recent innovations in photovoltaic technology, but nothing comes close to displacing what is currently available. Today's products are based on 20 years of a consistent, stable technology that has a typical life of 25 years. So the sooner you get on board, the sooner you'll start saving money.

6. Think of the cost in "anyway" dollars. Instead of trying to calculate how many years it will take to get your return on investment from solar, Matthew Wood advises to think of the expense as money you would spend anyway on your electric bill. But if you want to do a ROI calculation, consider this: Since solar will now be your main source of electricity (with traditional power from the grid as your backup), in most installations, the panels will be paid for--and your electricity free--after about 5 or 6 years.

7. Having free electricity is not an invitation to leave the lights on all day. Remember that your solar output is somewhat constant (depending on the season). If you ramp up your usage, the better the chances that you will need the grid to subsidize power. But if you are conservative about power usage, your electricity will remain free of charge. If you're really frugal, you may even end up putting power back into the grid, which means a refund from your utility company. Imagine getting a check from the power company instead of a bill.

8. The payback isn't necessarily better in sunny states. You may be thinking, "I live in Connecticut. Surely solar isn't as good a deal as a sunnier location, such as Arizona, New Mexico, California, Nevada, or Florida." Not so fast. The most generous rebate programs and tax credits are primarily in states in the Northeast (such as New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, etc.). Also, this is where utility rates are often highest, meaning it will take you less time to see a complete return on investment. Your state's Department of Energy should have more information on the rebates available in your state.

9. Scalable and DIY installations are rarely practical. Some solar vendors try to get timid or lower-income people on board by offering seemingly entry-level solutions, such as ReadySolar's Solar in a Box. Although the price and claims of simplicity are enticing, you're far better off going with a licensed installer. One reason is that many state rebate programs require an install by a professional. The second reason is that you don't want to mess around with your electricity--for both your personal safety and the reliability of your home. Finally, determining your level of usage and buying appropriately will save you money down the road in that you're paying an installer only once.

10. Solar power will not work in a blackout. Unless you are storing some of the solar power you generate in large batteries for later use, if the grid power goes out, your power goes out, too.

11. Solar power increases the value of your home. A solar installation is not cheap by any measure (a typical install can cost up to $20,000, which usually goes down to about $8,000 out-of-pocket after rebates and tax credits). But in addition to the money saved on electricity, solar panels also increase the value of your home. Basically any improvement that will lower the cost of ownership and operation of your home will be attractive to potential homebuyers.

12. Solar panels don't need to go on the roof. If for some reason your roof is not stable or ideal for solar panels, you can also mount them on the ground and achieve similar results. The drawback is that your panels are more at risk of damage and dirt-collecting, not to mention the real-estate you're losing in your yard.

Automatic Renewal Program: Your subscription will continue without interruption for as long as you wish, unless
you instruct us otherwise. Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the term unless you authorize
cancellation. Each year, you'll receive a notice and you authorize that your credit/debit card will be charged the
annual subscription rate(s). You may cancel at any time during your subscription and receive a full refund on all
unsent issues. If your credit/debit card or other billing method can not be charged, we will bill you directly instead. Contact Customer Service